Coach Mike McCoy said early in the week that Mathews' ankle sprain would be on the same practice regiment as previous weeks. As we discovered Friday, that's not the case.

Mathews went the entire week without practicing. He's officially listed as "questionable" for Sunday's game at Denver.

"My mindset is still the same," Mathews said, via U-T San Diego. "I'm just trying to do whatever I can to help this team. The more rest you get, the better everything gets. But it's only a week (of rest). So, I'm just trying to do what I can."

A team source tells the U-T San Diego's Michael Gelken that "the plan" is for Mathews to play.

Philip Rivers on Ryan Mathews availability: "Heâs going to do all he can to play, to give himself the best chance to play four quarters."

Mathews led the NFL in carries over the final five weeks of the regular season. Only LeSean McCoy rushed for more yards over that span. Without a hint of irony, I placed him on my Pro Bowl ballot as one of the league's premier early-down hammers.

Elliot Harrison provides his predictions on each game in Divisional Round Weekend. How many road teams will taste victory?
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1. Defensive end Derek Wolfe has been ruled out for the Broncos. He hasn't played since experiencing seizure-like symptoms in late November. The rest of the Denver defense is healthy.

2. Wes Welker (concussion) and Champ Bailey (shoulder) are probable. Welker missed the Broncos' 27-20 upset loss to the Chargers in Week 15. Bailey has been relegated to nickelback since returning to the lineup late in the season.

1. Steve Smith proclaimed that there's an "89 percent" chance he will play through his knee sprain. Coach Ron Rivera confirmed that Smith was "moving around well" before the rain hit Friday's walkthrough. Smith is officially listed as "questionable."

3. 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said cornerback Carlos Rogers (hamstring) would have to practice at some point this week to play in Sunday's game. Rogers is questionable to play after missing practice again Friday. "I don't know what the percentage would be," coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday, "but suppose there's a chance."

1. Pierre Thomas (chest) has finally returned to practice. The NFL's receptions leader among tailbacks is questionable for Saturday's game after a limited practice Friday. We would expect him to play in a limited role behind Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles if he gets the green light.

2. Defensive end Akiem Hicks (ankle) is also questionable while cornerback Keenan Lewis (head/neck) is probable. Losing Hicks will be a huge blow to the Saints' run defense.